Nightmares Vs Night Terrors – How to tell the difference and what to do to manage them

If your child has a nightmare or night terror stay with them and support them back to sleep

Nightmares

Nightmares are a common occurrence in childhood as young minds are constantly processing new experiences and emotions. They most often occur in children between 3 and 6 years old and these unsettling dreams can evoke feelings of fear, anxiety, and sadness.

Nightmares usually take place during the rapid eye movement (REM) sleep stage, and children often vividly remember them upon waking.

Typically nightmares can occur because of sleep deprivation from inconsistent bedtimes or exposure to blue light (phones or other screens) before bed.

What can you do to help?

If there is a pattern to when nightmares occur then you can support your little one by gently rousing them about 15-30 minutes before they usually start being disturbed by nightmares. This forces the transition between sleep stages and should skip the nightmare.

If your little one wakens themself with a nightmare, comfort and cuddle them until they are fully calm then take them back to their own bed.

Night Terrors

Night terrors, on the other hand, are more intense and disruptive and tend to occur during non-REM (NREM) sleep stages, particularly during deep sleep. They usually occur just a few hours after falling asleep.

Night terrors are most common in children aged 3-12 and are more common in boys. Often there is a family history of them.

Children experiencing night terrors may suddenly wake up in a state of panic, with rapid breathing, screaming and even physical thrashing. Unlike nightmares, children who suffer night terrors usually have no memory of the episode the next day. They might appear awake but are often in a confused, disoriented state.

Children having a night terror do not respond to communication and should not be woken up. Stay with them to ensure they are safe before supporting them back to bed.

Night terrors can be triggered by factors such as sleep deprivation, illness, or stress and are usually a phase which will pass.

Usually both nightmares and night terrors improve in time or as your child gets older. A good bedtime routine and adequate sleep are important in their management.

For further support or advice on these or any other aspect of your little one’s sleep, email admin@tendertots.co.uk